Pojoaque Competitors

Most people know that the National Park Service cares for national parks, a network of over 420 natural, cultural and recreational sites across the nation. The treasures in this system – the first of its kind in the world – have been set aside by the American people to preserve, protect, and share the legacies of this land. People from all around the world visit national parks to experience America's story, marvel at the natural wonders, and have fun. Places like the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and Gettysburg are popular destinations, but so too are the hundreds of lesser known yet equally meaningful gems like Rosie the Riveter in California, Boston Harbor Islands in Massachusetts, and Russell Cave in Alabama. The American system of national parks was the first of its kind in the world, and provides a living model for other nations wishing to establish and manage their own protected areas. The park service actively consults with these Nations, sharing what we've learned, and gaining knowledge from the experience of others. Beyond national parks, the National Park Service helps communities across America preserve and enhance important local heritage and close-to-home recreational opportunities. Grants and assistance are offered to register, record and save historic places; create community parks and local recreation facilities; conserve rivers and streams, and develop trails and greenways.

The Pueblo of Sandia, like all federally recognized tribes, is a sovereign nation. Indian Nations are distinct political communities, having territorial boundaries, within which their authority is exclusive, and having a right to all the lands within those boundaries, which is not only acknowledged but guaranteed by the United States. (Worcester v. Georgia, 6 Pet. 515, 557, 8L. Ed. 483, 499 1832). Tribal sovereignty is guaranteed by treaties between Indian Nations and the US government. It is important to note that these treaties do not grant rights from the US government to Indian Nations, but rather from Indian Nations to the US government. Sandia Pueblo's government is similar to that of a state government in terms of structure and authority. Like all governments, Sandia Pueblo has certain rights and responsibilities. It can levy taxes on sales of goods and services within the reservation boundaries. It develops and enforces its own laws, planning and zoning regulations, building codes, etc. It provides for education, law enforcement, judicial and municipal services to all residents on the reservation. There is a Tribal Council that serves a function similar to a state's house or senate. The Council is responsible for passing laws and resolutions, overseeing business operations, deciding on capital improvement projects and economic development initiatives. A Governor, Lt. Governor, Warchief, and Lt. Warchief are appointed for annual terms according to Sandia's cultural tradition. Each man can be appointed to consecutive terms. The Governor and Warchief will become Tribal Council members for life. The Warchief and Lt. Warchief are responsible for all religious activities held in the Pueblo. The Governor oversees day to day government operations, while the Lt. Governor is the Tribal Court Judge.

Pojoaque Valley Schools are located in the Pojoaque Valley in Northen New Mexico in the middle of Los Alamos, Espanola, and Santa Fe.